London
– 17 January 2004
While speaking with President General Pervez Musharraf over the phone from
London, Mr Altaf Hussain praised him on his address to the joint session of
Parliament. Mr Hussain said that
despite the hooliganism of the Members of opposition parties, the President
following the democratic norms observed exemplary restraint and continued with
his address, which illustrates that he believes in democracy and wants it to
flourish in the country. Mr Hussain
also expressed his gratitude to the President for taking immediate steps on the
issue of Shaista Alimani. He
appealed to the President to take proactive and concrete steps to ensure the
eradication of the archaic and cruel custom of karokari.
President
Musharraf thanked Mr Hussain for congratulating him on his address and assured
him that Shaista Alimani will be provided full protection and that necessary
steps will be taken to eradicate karokari.